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Groundhogs Day Fun

Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? By February, some of us are ready to know just how much more of winter is in store. Groundhog Day is February 2nd, and while students often hear about the event, do they understand the science behind the groundhog and his shadow? To give them a better understanding of shadows, NEED has a great activity for students to learn more about shadows found within our Energy Works curriculum. In Light Module 1 of the student guide, students learn how shadows are formed and the effect that the distance from the light source makes on a shadow.

There may not be any truth to Punxsutawney Phil's shadow-based predictions, but students learning about light and shadows will combine content to a fun holiday activity.

To modify this activity for Groundhog's Day, have students tape ears and a tail onto the spool. Also try mimicking a cloudy day and demonstrate what happens when there is no light source.

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The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agencies and organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation's schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program management.